Dungog floats racetrack plan

Could this be the future for Dungog? Mayor Harold Johnston working on plans for a car racing track in the region.

Robert Cianflone: Getty Images

The Dungog Mayor wants to see a car racing track built in the shire to bring in much needed business and tourists.

Harold Johnston says from race meetings to commercial vehicle testing and weekend hobbyists, the track could be a huge source of income for the region, which has been floundering since the Tillegra Dam proposal was scrapped.

He says while the council is yet to secure a site and the millions needed for construction, the idea is definitely gaining speed.

"There are sites available and as far as financing goes, nope, we don't have that either," he said.

"But we are slowly getting together a business plan and that will show this is well and truly worth doing.

"For Dungog (it's) worth doing because of the employment opportunities."

The Mayor estimates the racetrack could bring up to a thousand visitors each week to the town.

Councillor Johnston says given Sydney has lost its racetracks to development, another facility is needed for clubs to hold race meetings and companies to test vehicles.

He estimates it would cost about $7.5 million to build, but would bring in much more.

"It gives the opportunity for other businesses to spring up, for tourism, for the restaurants and all the rest of it, there's enormous opportunity.

"For the benefits to the whole shire $7.5 million is not a big ask.

"I mean it's more than I could afford but it would be an incredible investment for some level of government."